When times are tough, it’s nice to reminisce about the “good old days” when life was simpler.  That’s why many consumer products companies, such as those in the food, beauty and design industries have been developing “feel good” products to help consumers connect with the days when living was easy.

One of the big nostalgia trends brands are tapping into is creating emotional connections with consumers by updating favorite childhood experiences in unexpected places.  Chef Christina Tosi, Momofuku Milk’s Pastry Chef, has recently partnered with Post’s Pebbles cereal (an MMC client) to create Cocoa Pebbles treat bars and Fruity Pebbles Meringues. Celebrity Chef Craig Koketsu of New York City’s Park Avenue Spring also incorporated one of his favorite childhood snacks — Cheetos — in his winter seasonal menu with a dish called Broccoli with Cheetos.

A recent Tasting Table article, “Kids’ Meal,” featured some of the hottest food trends –  adult/haute epicurean versions of such child favorites as corn dogs (from AsiaDog) and grilled cheese (from Melt Shop in New York City).

In the beauty world, it’s back to the 1980s.  The glitz and glamour associated with that decade have made their way back onto the runway and beauty department shelves. That includes oversized hair, clips and glittery eyes.

In the design industry, various retro-themed products have been popping up on shelves. Technology and design companies hope to tap into both nostalgia and the longing to play with familiar products from the past.   The hottest camera on the market, the Fujifilm x100, gives off a retro vibe in both feel and functionality. 

Watch out for other fields to join the movement.  Contemporary art may soon look for inspiration from some of the most admired past periods such as Pop Art, Neo-Dada and Photorealism.  And consumer packaged goods companies will continue to market products that enable their customers to reminiscence.   Who knows where this can go?  Maybe more people will start sending handwritten thank-you notes through the mail – our mothers would be thrilled.